Bean Bags Can Promote Physical Activity Among Children Through Games

It is a sad sight to see the majority of children these days have fun only when they are facing a computer or some other electronic gadget. This limits their socializing skills since they won’t be able to interact with someone else on a personal level. A solution to this is by introducing other games that does not involve a computer or modern-day gadget. Find an activity that can promote physical activity between kids, team work, and entertainment. A good example of an interactive game they can enjoy can have bean bags incorporated into it.

A game of toss that involves bean bags is a very good example. This is a simple game wherein you toss the object into a hole or pass it to other children. This simple game can help build communication, observation, and motor skills. A child will find it easy to develop his or her hand-eye coordination together with underhand and overhand throwing motions when passing it to another child or aiming it at a goal.

There are many variations to the game. The first one involves children forming a circle and tossing the bags at one another. This usually only takes around fifteen minutes and around ten to twenty bags are needed. The main objective here is to catch the object and never drop it. Anyone who fails the task will be pulled out of the game. Before a beanbag is thrown at someone, his or her name will be called first. As the game progresses, more bags will be added into the game to add more excitement. The last one standing will be proclaimed as the winner.

Another variation to it has targets incorporated in it. The target can be anything from buckets to decorated boxes as long as there is a hole in it. Markers such as orange cones are needed aside from the targets. Before starting the activity, the play area should be set up first. Place a target on one side of the field while using the cones to indicate the spot where the participants should stand when aiming the object into the goal. A player is given a specific number of chances wherein he or she is allowed to score. A score will be given to the person who successfully shoots it into a hole. These activities are very interactive and promote physical activity which will benefit the children. After they are done with a game, they can take a break and relax on the outdoor bean bags.